"I don't know who gets this information" - Rafael Nadal denies Monte Carlo comeback

Rafael Nadal has refuted reports that he will make his comeback from injury at the Monte Carlo Masters next month.

The former World No. 1 hasn't played since sustaining a hip injury in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January. The injury didn't heal enough, forcing Nadal to pull out of Indian Wells and the ongoing Miami Masters.

Recently, Monte Carlo tournament director David Massey said that the Spaniard was the first player to be registered for this year's event. Nadal, though, has refuted those claims, wondering about the source of the information.

He said at an award function for the Rafa Nadal foundation that his status is 'day by day,' so it's too early to confirm or deny his Monte Carlo participation at the moment.

"I don't know who gets this information, but obviously if it were true, I would confirm it, but, unfortunately, I cannot confirm it," he said.

"Things are moving day by day, and I don't say things that I can't fulfil. I prefer to say things when I really know them, and at this moment, I don't know them."

The Spaniard added that he doesn't know his return date yet:

"I continue my course. I do not know yet when I will return. I am in a phase of increasing work, and if I know, I would say so, but since I do not know, I cannot tell you."

The 22-time Grand Slam winner is 1-3 for the year, having lost the first two matches of a season for the first time in his illustrious career.

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What did Rafael Nadal say while withdrawing from Indian Wells and Miami?

After sustaining his injury at the Australian Open, Nadal announced that he suffered a Grade 2 injury in his left leg, which would require 6-8 weeks to heal:

"Good afternoon. I have undergone medical tests after losing yesterday. The MRI shows a grade 2 injury in the iliopsoas muscle in my left leg. Now it's time for sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotherapy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks."

The Spaniard provided an update on his condition earlier this month, tweeting that he hadn't healed enough to play Indian Wells and Miami:

"It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy, as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back in the best conditions. I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there.

"I’ll miss all my US fans, but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing."

With his non-participation in the Sunshine Double, the Spaniard (No. 13) is out of the top 10 for the first time in 17 years.